Los Angeles Hidden Hot Spots

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Hidden hot spots in Ojai vol.2

Hidden hot spots in Ojai from 2010 is click here

Between June and July you can pick your own lavender at "New Oak Ranch" in Ojai.

I was there towards the end of June, the lavender was in full bloom and you could pick from anywhere you wanted.

Just standing in the field, it felt like being healed and was super relaxing.

This is the only U-pick lavender field in California. They provide a cutting tool and it is very easy to cut the lavender.

There are so many kinds of lavender. Some of them you can eat, some smell super good and others have the perfect color.

There is no admission fee and it is only
$5 a bunch!

"New Oak Ranch"

9599 Ojai-Santa Paula Rd

Ojai, CA 93023

(805)640-1189

http://www.newoakranch.com

Also they have cute horses.

You can give them some treats too!

At the ranch, they hand make lavender products that you can buy.

You have many choices of lavender products like candles, salts, jams, oils and body creams.

About a 10 minute drive from the farm, there is Ojai downtown.

I love having a nice park in the middle of downtown. They have a "Lavender Festival" in June at this park.

"Libbey Park"

205 E OJai Ave

Ojai, CA 93023

http://www.ci.ojai.ca.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={A4144216-56D9-4D93-A5FA-50FEAD57E3E8}

In front of Libbey Park, there is a famous ice cream store "Ojai Ice Cream".

They sell Homemade ice cream and it is refreshing!

"Ojai Ice Cream"

210 E Ojai Ave

Ojai, CA 93023

(805)646-6075

In Ojai downtown there isn't a Mcdonald's or Starbucks...however there are many original restaurants and coffee shops.

I found this cute coffee shop "Ojai Coffee Roasting Company".

"Ojai Coffee Roasting Company"

337 E Ojai Ave

Ojai, CA 93023

(805)646-4478

http://ojaicoffeeroastingco.com

It was a Saturday afternoon but it was pretty quiet and I could see most people were enjoying this spiritual town.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Hidden hot spots in Redondo Beach vol. 2

There is something I have been thinking about doing for a long time..

On a beautiful Sunday morning in March, I finally took the boat "Voyager" to meet the Grey Whales in Redondo Beach.

"Voyager Whale Watching"

233 North Harbor Dr

Redondo Beach CA 90277

(310)944-1219

http://www.voyagerexcursions.com

It was about 80 degrees and the ocean breeze felt so amazingly great.

First, these guys passed by us with smiles.

Sea Lions were everywhere in Redondo Beach.

We went straight out to sea for about a half hour and then waited around a little bit. During we were waiting the people working on the boat entertained us so I never felt bored.

As soon as the first whale came out more and more seemed to appear!

A Grey Whale can be 45 feet (14 m) and even their newborns measure about 16 feet (4.9 m).

The boat turned off the engine for silence and I heard the sound of a whale's blowhole spraying behind me. I quickly found the whale and I felt one of the most precious moments I have ever experienced.

I ended up seeing more than 10 whales that day.

On the way going back to the port, I saw a group of Dolphins!

They chased our boat and seemed to be enjoying the gorgeous day too.

Off course all the sea lions loved the warm Sunday.

After the boat ride I found my favorite seafood...

It is Sea Urchin! California sea urchin is best in the world.

There was the state fish of California "Garibaldi" here too..

There is so much to see in Redondo Beach.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Hidden Hot Spots in Watts.

In South Central, there is a landmark that is a symbol of Los Angeles.

This is called "Watts Tower".

An Italian guy, Simon Rodia, made these towers all by himself in 33 years.

I felt a very strong passion the first time I saw this and I came back for a tour. I was very glad to see the inside of the tower and excited to find out why he made this.

"Watts Tower"

1727 East 107th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90002
(213) 847-4646

http://www.wattstowers.us

He used only recycled junk such as dishes, pipes, tile and glass with no special equipment.

There are many hearts you can find and he used many cute colors such as pink, yellow and peppermint green.

This tower is actually in the shape of something...

When you stand at this point you become the captain of a ship to Italy.

*You must join their tour to see inside of the tower. Please make sure of the tour schedule with this site. http://www.wattstowers.us

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Hidden hot spots in Long Beach

Here is one of the largest ports in the world.

Many people are attracted to Long Beach everyday.

I would like to share some of the hidden hot spots here.

This is my favorite little museum.

"Long Beach Museum of Art" is right in front of the pacific ocean and overlooks the Long Beach Harbor.

Every thursday and friday evening it is free admission to the public.

"Long Beach Museum of Art"

2300 E. Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562)439-2119

http://www.lbma.org

There is a cute restaurant at the museum that is in the Historic Anderson House with an amazing ocean view patio.

"Claire's at the museum"

2300 E. Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562)439-2119

http://www.lbma.org/cafe.html

Long Beach has many famous restaurants. Among them let me suggest "La Creperie Cafe" in Belmont Shore.

Belmont Shore is a fashion and gourmet area around 2nd street. It is fun to check out the Long Beach style from an open cafe.

La Creperie Cafe is one of the cutest French restaurants and serves yummy crepes.

"La Creperie Cafe"

4911 E. 2nd Street

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562)434-8499

http://www.lacreperiecafe.net

Another fashionable area in Long Beach is "Retro Row" which is around 4th street. This is where you can find Long Beach vintage fashion.

During the shopping you must try the famous hand cut steak fries at the Pike.

"The Pike Bar & Fish Grill"

1836 E. 4th St

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562)437-4453

http://www.pikelongbeach.com

I was looking for the power spot to feel a perfect evening.

The lighthouse seems to be the spot especially when you realize you can be on the island.

The entrance was right behind the aquarium, I've been having the aquarium membership for years but I've never realized there is the most gorgeous park behind there with free parking.